Hackers attack Palestinian networks

RAMALLAH, West Bank, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- The Palestinian Authority said Tuesday computer hackers launched a sustained attack on the main phone and Internet networks in the West Bank and Gaza.

P.A. spokesman Ghassan Ghattib said he didn't know if the attacks, which began Tuesday morning from multiple locations around the globe, were related to Monday's vote by UNESCO to grant Palestinian membership, the BBC reported.

The United States said Monday the vote was "regrettable" and invoked a longstanding promise to stop U.S. contributions to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Internet service was down throughout most of the Palestinian territories after hackers attacked the Paltel telephone network, the British news network said.